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11 Columbia Union Teams Participate in North American Division PBE

Members from the Potomac Conference's Beltsville Broncos attend the North American Division PBE

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Five Columbia Union Conference teams including Pathfinders and volunteers from Potomac Conference's Beltsville Broncos (pictured) traveled to Eugene, Oregon to participate in the North American Division's Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) event last weekend. Six other teams participated virtually.

Seven of those teams placed first. Two placed second, and two placed third. Sherilyn O'Ffill, the Columbia Union Conference PBE coordinator reports that three teams are currently under review and could receive higher placements.

Making a Difference at the WGTS 91.9 Drive-Thru

Story by WGTS Staff

Taking a few minutes to show kindness. And a way to help and encourage each other on a Thursday through our Hands and Heart ministry with the weekly WGTS 91.9 Drive-Thru Difference. Whether you pay for someone behind you at the drive-thru or find another way to brighten someone’s day, you can be a part of this effort to make our communities better. This story from Brenda is a great example of how small acts of kindness can make a real difference and give you a blessing so you can bless others too.

Members From Emmanuel Worship Center Author Books

Christian Wiediger/Unsplash

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

A retirement and the pandemic inspired S. June and D. Robert Kennedy, seasoned authors and members of Allegheny East Conference's Emmanuel Worship Center in Alexandria, Va., to each add one more book to their publishing accomplishments.

June had recently retired when their son Robert III asked what she would do with all of
her “free” time. Initially she thought it might be a great opportunity to revise some of her earlier publications. Her son, however, encouraged her to find a new voice.

Their 12-year-old granddaughter, Britt, added, “I think you should write about how Pathfinders can be witnesses.”

Attend Mountain View Conference 2022 Camp Meeting

Image by Paco on pixabay

Through the years, there have been many dynamic speakers and baptismal decisions made on the beautiful grounds of Valley Vista Adventist Center. We expect this year’s camp meeting to be the same, as the 2022 line-up of speakers and activities won’t disappoint.

To the hundreds and thousands of individuals who live around the camp community, we will have an open invitation on the first weekend to come to our Gospel Jamboree, featuring The Lesters, along with talented musicians from the Mountain View Conference. The rest of the week will follow with gospel presentations geared for the whole family.

Turning the Corner

José Martínez, Roca Eterna Mission church

Story by Ricardo Bacchus

Eight-year-old José Martínez didn’t know what to do or who to turn to. His mom abused him verbally and physically, frequently saying, “Why didn’t I get an abortion?” His brother bullied him. His sister ignored him. His stepdad, an alcoholic and drug addict, deserted him. Martínez longed to be wanted; he felt abandoned instead.

One day in his hometown of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, Martínez saw his brother and cousin smoking weed. Wanting an escape from the reality of life, he tried it and was instantly hooked. Finally, I found something that makes me feel whole, he thought.

Daughter Overjoyed by Surprise Baptism

Story by Natalie Lilly, Communication Intern

Rachel Ondimu and her family prayed for years that her stepfather, Courtney Cuffie, would accept Jesus and attend church with them.

“I’ve grown up with my stepfather since I was very little, and he’s always been a kind and gentle man. He would drop my mom off at church every Sabbath, but we were always hopeful he would give his heart to the Lord,” says Ondimu.

She, her mother, and two of her children, Obed and Ruhamah, recently attended an evangelistic series at the Allentown church, where the children decided they wanted to study for baptism.

Blue Mountain Academy Student Receives Susan Berry Leadership Award

Blue Mountain Academy, Helmi Calles

Story by Esther Hernandez 

Senior Helmi Calles recently received the 2021 Susan Berry Leadership award at RingFest, held in Toledo, Ohio. The award recognizes one bell choir student each year in the North American Division who “demonstrates outstanding leadership in the art of handbells.” This is the second consecutive year that a Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) student has received this award.

God Provides Miraculous Protection

Highland View Academy Together We Make A Difference

Story by Andrew S. Lay

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, Highland View Academy (HVA) has experienced miraculous protection from the virus on campus and among its faculty and students.

In fact, HVA has been fully open and in person since fall 2020, without any student or teaching staff contracting the disease during their time on campus. School leaders thank God for providing His protection and allowing HVA to fully function within the CDC guidelines.